Leaving high school
Most services for individuals and families with ASD focus on early development and the school years. Consequently, adult services in Australia are under-resourced to manage the period of transition as adolescents with ASD exit the school system and enter adulthood.
Better Outcomes and Successful Transition for Autism (BOOST-A)
To provide support when transitioning out of high school, we have developed the Better Outcomes and Successful Transitions for Autism (BOOST-A): a web-based, autism-specific program. BOOST-A supports the development of future job pathways and employment-readiness skills.
Related research
BOOST-A
A quasi-randomised controlled trial has determined that BOOST-A increases career exploration, self-determination and planning skills. Findings support the need for strengths-based and autism-specific transition planning. Currently, there are plans for BOOST-A across Australia, including training on how to use the program.
Related publications
- Hatfield, M., Falkmer, M., Falkmer, T. and Ciccarelli, M. Effectiveness of the BOOST-A™ online transition planning program for adolescents on the autism spectrum: A quasi-randomised controlled trial. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health. 2017; 11(54):1-12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13034-017-0191-2 (open access)
- Hatfield, M., Falkmer, M., Falkmer, T. and Ciccarelli, M. Process Evaluation of the BOOST-A™ Transition Planning Program for Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Strengths-Based Approach. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders,Early view. 2017; 1-12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3317-8 Link:
- Hatfield, M., Murray, N., Ciccarelli, M., Falkmer, T. & Falkmer, M. Pilot of the BOOST-A: An online transition planning program for adolescents with autism. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal,Early View. 2017; 1-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12410
- Hatfield, M., Falkmer, M., Falkmer, T. & Ciccarelli, M. “Leaps of faith”: Parent and professional viewpoints on preparing adolescents on the autism spectrum for leaving school. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs. 2017; 17(3):187-197. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1471-3802.12377
- Hatfield, M., Ciccarelli, M., Falkmer, T. & Falkmer, M. Factors related to successful transition planning for adolescents on the autism spectrum. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, Early View. 2017; 1-12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1471-3802.12388
- Hatfield, M., Falkmer, M., Falkmer, T. & Ciccarelli, M. Evaluation of the effectiveness of an online transition planning program for adolescents on the autism spectrum: Trial protocol. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health.2016; 10(48):1-11.
More information
Email: megan.hatfield@curtin.edu.au